Most City Council members, who will need to approve any price bumps, support the idea.

But at least two members question whether it's necessary.

"Maybe that's one of the nice benefits of living in the city - we've had lower water rates and it would be nice to keep them low, " council member John Dingfelder said.

The city already has spent millions from its reserve funds to buy water to meet demand that can't be met by withdrawals from the Hillsborough River, the city's primary source of drinkable water. The price tag this year will be between $5-million and $10-million. Iorio wants to recoup that money, adding about $36 to $72 a year to water bills.

Fast Facts:

Rates vary wildly

Tampa has among the lowest water rates in the region. Here's a look at typical monthly water bills in the area, based on 8, 000 gallons of water a month:

Belleair - $8.68

Tampa - $12.42

Temple Terrace - $18.54

Plant City - $19.12

Pasco County - $25.29

Tarpon Springs - $26.03

St. Petersburg - $31.15

Pinellas County - $35.32

Clearwater - $36.38

Hillsborough County - $38.03

Pinellas Park - $42.48

Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

Conservation tips

- Water lawns during the early morning when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.

- Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs, not the street, driveway or sidewalk.